Maryland Animal Cruelty & Animal Fighting Task Force

11/14/2025

It’s truly has been an honor! Thank you to everyone! My heart is so full of gratitude and love! It truly takes a village and I’m so grateful for all these years!!!

11/14/2025

We are SO grateful to everyone who came out for the Animal Abuse Leadership Summit! Incredible speakers all sharing information to investigate animal abuse. Happy Friday!

07/01/2025

01/03/2025

Reminders!

Our Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers work around the clock to ensure animals in our community are safe from the elements and extreme cold.

Pets are an extension of your family. As we continue to see freezing temperatures overnight that can be dangerous for our furry friends, please be vigilant whether it is your pet or a pet who is unnecessarily suffering.

If your pet is living outside in cold weather without appropriate shelter, they should be brought indoors. If you are cold, they are as well.

In the RARE event that your pet must reside outdoors, please adhere to the following regulations:

An owner shall provide their pets with adequate shelter and protection from the weather. A proper shelter shall be of sufficient size to allow the animal to stand, turn and stretch to its full length and height within the enclosure. An owner shall keep the shelter free from f***s, urine and debris.

The following MUST be provided:

1) Shelters shall have a weatherproof roof and the entryway shall be protected by an offset outer door or a flexible flap made of windproof material. The floor shall be solid and raised from the ground at least two inches. No interior surfaces shall be metal. The dog shelter opening shall be facing away from the prevailing winds.

2)Bedding, such as wood shavings, straw or other absorbent material, shall be provided in sufficient quantity for insulation against cold and damp. Bedding shall be kept dry.

3)If there is no artificial heat source, structures shall be small enough to allow the dog to warm the interior of the structure and maintain his or her body heat but large enough to permit ease of entry and normal postural adjustments, as previously defined.

4)Fresh, potable water without ice shall be made available to the dog a minimum of twice daily. The water receptacle shall be sanitary and made unable to be tipped over.

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in fines and the impoundment of your pet for their safety and well-being. Our officers on duty do thorough welfare checks to ensure no animal is left out in cold conditions without adequate shelter.

Additionally, if you have a pet living outdoors and are in need of a crate to bring them inside your home we will provide you with one. We are here to help you and your pet.

In the event you are concerned about the welfare of an animal in our community, please contact us immediately at (410)441-2040. We are available 24 hours a day for emergencies.

12/07/2024

Sentencing Alert: Defendant Robert Conley Ordered to Pay $12,000 in Restitution to BARCS in Animal Cruelty Case -> https://www.stattorney.org/media-center/press-releases/2996-defendant-ordered-to-pay-12-000-in-restitution-to-barcs-in-animal-cruelty-case

10/29/2024

ATTENTION--Resource Share: The ASPCA has 2024 grant funds remaining to support cruelty and dogfighting cases. These grants are typically used to support pending investigations/prosecutions but there is some flexibility to consider grant requests that will be used to enhance an agency’s ability to respond to cruelty and/or dogfighting in their communities.

Please use the QR code to submit a request. **Please note, however, the request must be submitted no later than November 15th to be considered.** The initial submission requires minimal information and the ASPCA point of contact can list: Anika Moje, Director, Operations & Legal Support, Legal Advocacy & Investigations. She can be reached for questions at [email protected].

10/28/2024